~ Top 10 Largest Islands of the World ~

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Top 10 Largest Islands of the World

1. Greenland   



Greenland is the largest non-continental island in the world. Its area is about 2,130,800 km². Greenland is located between the Arctic Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean and is part of the mainland North America. Ice shelf of Greenland is the second largest in the world. It represents 10% of global ice mass. The name of Greenland meaning "Green Earth", but this name is quite far from the truth when it comes to diversity or abundance of vegetation - just south and southeast coasts are covered mainly with green moss. Icebergs are the first thing to distinguish Greenland from other settlements on the planet - they are everywhere and are completely various in shape, colour and size. Cities in Greenland are not like the European. Rather they resemble fairy congregations of coloured cottages, casually scattered on the rocky shores of the fjord. While, however, go there and see it, you would hardly believe how interesting, exciting and unusual may appear a journey to this distant land of ice and warm people.

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2. New Guinea   



New Guinea is the second largest island on Earth with an area of about 785,000 square km located north of Australia. New Guinea is a fascinating island with beautiful wildlife and unique ecosystems. There tourists can enjoy various attractions - walking around the picturesque scenery, diving, surfing and studying many cultures. The country was first discovered by the Portuguese in the 16th century and in the late 19th century appeared the first German settlers. Today much of its original inhabitants live in small villages where they grow vegetables and are engaged in stockbreeding. Natives of New Guinea are called Papuans. Often, New Guinea is called the "Island of paradise birds" because 38 of 43 known species live there. In 2005 a group of researchers found in the tropical forests of the mountainous region of New Guinea a place called the "Lost World". This region covers about 300,000 hectares isolated from the influence of the outside world.

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3. Borneo   



Situated in an area of 743,330 square kilometres in the waters of South China Sea, Borneo is the third largest island on the planet. Borneo is the only island in the world whose territory belongs to three different countries - Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Borneo boasts uniquely beautiful and diverse flora and fauna, making it the richest on the planet. On the island, even today there are untouched and unexplored places. Throughout the ages, the island of Borneo has served mainly as a source of natural resources which were exploited by other nations of the world that now threaten the existence of this island in the clouds as it is often called. Borneo is a magnet for adventurers, scientists and nature writers. Diversity is the key to the charm and attractiveness of the island. It is inhabited by 60 ethnic groups and 11,000 species of flower plants create incredible diversity of life on the border between the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

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4. Madagascar   



Madagascar is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean off the south-eastern coast of Africa. The main island, also called Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. The island has an oblong shape with a width of 400 to 600 km and the distance from the most northern point - Cape Amber, to the south - Cape St. Mary, is 1600 km. Madagascar is a paradise for lovers of wildlife and its people who have Malay and African genes have managed to preserve much of the traditions of their ancestors. The flora and fauna of the island were isolated from the outside world for about 160 million years. So about 80% of the plants there, as well as many of the animals of Madagascar, and almost all reptiles are endemic. There are several distinct tribal groups, each with their own traditions, taboos and ceremonies that certainly will fascinate you. The main language spoken is Malagasy. Madagascar - this uniquely beautiful land of crossing cultures is one of the paradises of the world.

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5. Baffin Island, Canada   



Baffin Island, located in the freezing Canadian province Nunavut, is one of the most remote from civilization points. It is the largest Canadian island and the fifth largest on the earth with a territory of 507,451 km2. Because of low temperatures, ice blocks, blocking sea lanes, and lack of infrastructure there, located nearly 500 kilometres above the Arctic Circle, the island seems to be among the most inhospitable spots. It was first found by Europeans in 1576 and was used extensively in the peak of whaling industry during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today, plenty of companies which are in search of new resources are attracted by the huge deposits of iron ore located in the desolate surface. Baffin Island with its amazing landscape full of fiords, small offshore islands and magnificent highlands, the friendly attitude of the local Inuit people and the countless opportunities for an unusual holiday is an excellent choice for a memorable adventure for every taste.

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6. Sumatra, Indonesia   



Situated in an area of 473,000 square kilometres, Sumatra is the sixth largest island in the world. Throughout the country, alternate beautiful vast plains, dense forests rich in rare and extremely diverse flora and fauna and numerous active volcanoes. Kerinci volcano is 3800 meters high and is the highest point of the island. Due to the marginal active volcanoes, the island of Sumatra is frequently shaken by earthquakes. On the island are celebrated many pagan festivals dedicated to animistic deities, as well as some Buddhist and Hindu rituals. The various ethnic groups speak different languages and have different rituals, some of which are interwoven with monotheistic religions. Sumatra is a real adventure for people with wide spirit. The adventures there are countless. You can upload smouldering volcanic craters, go along the narrow paths in the jungle, or dive into the amazing underwater scenery around the island.

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7. Honshu, Japan   



Japanese islands - Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu and Shikoku, are the main islands of the island nation. These four main islands together with 6848 smaller ones form the whole territory of that great Asian country. Honshu is the largest of Japan islands with an area of 230,500 km², and represents about 60 percent of the Japanese heartland. It is the seventh largest in the world and second in population density, preceded only by Java. It is situated south of the island of Hokkaido. The terrain in this area is mostly mountainous and the highest point of the island is the peak of Mount Fuji, which has a height of 3776 meters. The island is seismically active - there are frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. On the island you can enjoy many of the landmarks of Japan, and feel the traditional Japanese spirit.

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8. Victoria Island, Canada   



Set on an area of about 212,200 square kilometres, Victoria Island is the third largest island in Canada and the eight largest in the whole world. The island is named after the British Queen Victoria in 1839. It is located in the Arctic Ocean and is a part of the group of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago. Unlike the modern and busy life in Vancouver, in Victoria, which is located on an island opposite Vancouver, uneventful peace prevails. Nature of Victoria is a real splendour for as many countries envy. In the magnificent 50-hectare park there is a real wealth of thousands of flowers and tropical trees, separated by ponds and cozy paths. Not accidentally this is one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in the world. It is even most interesting sight in early morning or during the traditional afternoon tea. Besides being one of the warmest places in Canada, this island is sufficiently beautiful, romantic and attractive to be worth a visit.

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9. Great Britain   



Great Britain is the largest of the British Isles, where England, Scotland and Wales are located. Together with the Northern Ireland, they form the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland which is a famous island country in Western Europe. The name Britain comes from the Roman province of Britain, which included England and Wales. The ancient Romans called the Celts who lived in these islands with the name Brittany. Insularity of Great Britain gave rise to the behaviour "splendid isolation", which has left deep traces in the mentality of the British, which differ from the other inhabitants of the continent. All countries located on the island have a rich history over the centuries. If you visit any of them will have the opportunity to enjoy the unique architecture, monuments, good beer and food, and not least the local hospitality.

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10. Ellesmere Island, Canada   



With its size of 212,690 square kilometres, Ellesmere Island ranks the 10th largest island in the world. It belongs to island group Queen Elizabeth, which in turn is part of the territory of Canada. It was founded in 1616 from William Baffin. Its northernmost point Cape Columbia is situated only 769 km from the North Pole. The sun does not rise nearly half a year, and there the mountains rise in the dark grey and black tones over blinding white landscape around. Regardless of the ice, island Ellesmere is not fully covered with snow. Actually, it is a desert where rainfall is only 60 mm per year. Despite its size, Ellesmere is sparsely populated. The only settlement Gris Fjord is inhabited by about a hundred Eskimos. Part of the island was turned into a national park in 1988. It includes the Hazen Lake - the northernmost lake in Canada. Far from temporal vanity, is secluded the Ellesmere Island in its splendour, looking purified from crude climate.